Change in Policy Seen in New Regulations for Immigration to Palestine

A new immigration policy in Palestine is indicated in the terms of a bill published today in the “Official Gazette.” The bill divides immigrants into four categories, those of independent means, those whose maintenance is assured, those with definite prospects of employment, and dependents.

In the first classification there will be admitted persons who have $5,000. If they are agriculturists this sum must include land or stock or money advances by an agricultural settlement agency recognized by the government. If they are industrialists it must include machinery or cash advances by an agricultural settlement agency. Exceptions from the $5,000 provision are made for professional people who will be admitted if they have $2,500, but the immigration officials must be satisfied that a need exists for additional members of that profession; for skilled craftsmen with $1,250 provided the economic capacity of the country can absorb them; persons of secured income with $20 monthly exclusive of earned income.

Persons with assured maintenance include orphans, religious person affiliated with public institutions and students. The regulations provide that a non-Palestinian citizen leaving the country must obtain a return visa which may be granted or withheld at the discretion of the High Commissioner. Immigrants must have a passport and a document establishing their nationality in addition to a British consular visa and an immigration certificate. A relative of a certificate holder may accompany the latter.

In addition amendments to the immigration ordinance of 1925 and 1928 are made public. The section referring to prospective employers who are required to sign a statement regarding new immigrants that they “guarantee to continue him in this or equivalent employment for the minimum period” has been supplemented by adding “or will be responsible for his continued maintenance during that period.”